August 03, 2026
Trine proudly offers this type of collaboration to employers and organizations that have an interest in developing a stronger relationship with the university.
As part of the partnership, Trine University is offering YPDC members and spouses the opportunity to pursue undergraduate coursework at a reduced rate for TrineOnline degree programs.
If they complete degrees, their eligible dependent children who enroll at Trine’s Angola campus are eligible to receive the Legacy Award toward tuition expenses.
“As an institution that graduates hundreds of talented young professionals each year, Trine University is excited to partner with the Young Professionals of DeKalb County to provide premier educational opportunities for its members and their families,” said Tony Kline, Ph.D., Trine University president. “We hope that many are able to take advantage of our convenient, career-focused online offerings to gain the skills and knowledge that allows them to advance in their careers.”
Trine University also has the capacity to design customized coursework, degree or certificate programs to fit YPDC’s educational needs.
“Our mission is to provide professional development opportunities for those who are early in their career, and we’re thankful to Trine University for working with us to give our members easier access to training as well as degree programs,” said Parker Woods, treasurer and partnership coordinator for YPDC.
YPDC members will enjoy the advantages available to all TrineOnline students, including more than 200 courses that use Open Educational Resources, free application for admission, and free 24/7 online tutoring for enrolled students.
TrineOnline now offers 34 courses with industry-recognized certificates embedded in them that will prepare learners to take the certification exam after the course or earn the certification upon completion of the course.
Trine University personnel will guide YPDC members through the application process, provide an unofficial transfer credit evaluation, and allow the employees to transfer up to 90 credits into TrineOnline degree programs.
After enrollment, Trine’s program advisors will support YPDC members in staying on track for degree completion, including assisting with grant and scholarship opportunities. The organization also will be provided access to business planning, product development and process improvement services through Innovation 1 at Trine University.
As a partner with Trine, YPDC will have enhanced access to promote their organization to students, as well as the opportunity to speak on campus to student organizations.
About Young Professionals of DeKalb County
Young Professionals of DeKalb County (YPDC) is a community‑focused organization dedicated to developing emerging leaders through networking, professional growth and regional engagement.
Having graduated from Trine University, Fr. Bryan Paulsen, S.J., Ph.D., hoped to have a current Trine student work as part of his Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) team this summer at the University of Notre Dame.
Welcoming employees to a new school year for the first time as president, Tony Kline, Ph.D., praised them for helping make Trine University one of the region’s premier institutions.
When their son Parker received his diploma from Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., at this year’s May Commencement, it was a full-circle moment for Stephen and Brooke Pelletier.